According to a report from TOLOnews, widespread heavy snowfall across multiple provinces in the country over the last three days has resulted in a tragic toll, with 15 lives lost and nearly 30 individuals injured. The impact on livestock has been devastating, with statistics obtained from Balkh and Faryab provinces indicating that nearly ten thousand animals have perished due to the recent snowfalls.
Residents expressed deep concern, describing the ongoing heavy snowfall and its repercussions on livestock and transportation. Another resident echoed the sentiments, stressing the urgent need for government assistance, particularly for those affected by road blockages and the plight of hungry livestock.
In response, Afghanistan has formed a committee comprising various ministries to address the damages, specifically targeting livestock owners. An allocation of fifty million Afghanis has been made to support affected livestock owners in several provinces.
Misbahuddin Mustaeen, the Taliban-appointed spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, highlighted the swift response of committees formed across provinces, focusing on clearing blocked roads, distributing food and fodder, and rescuing those stranded.
Erfanullah Sharafzoi, spokesperson for the Afghan Red Crescent Society, reported that winter service workers have assisted in multiple provinces, reaching individuals affected by the recent snowfalls.
The heavy snowfall has led to the closure of key transportation routes, including the Salang Pass, and access to various provinces. Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works, confirmed the temporary blockage of these routes due to heavy snowfall.
Esmatullah Muradi, spokesperson for the provincial governor of Faryab, reported heavy snowfall-induced road closures in most districts, leaving residents in remote areas stranded. Tragically, one fatality was reported in the Chahar Sada district on the Turkmenistan border.
(With ANI Inputs)